Jopen B.V. - Meesterstuk 2024

For the 2024 edition of their annual Meesterstuk (Masterpiece) series, Jopen delivers a decadent and richly flavored brew bursting with hazelnuts and silky milk chocolate. Topped with a thick, tan, and beautifully laced head, this beer presents a nearly opaque, dark body with just a touch of hazy translucence near the edges when held to the light.

From the first sniff, the nose is a dessert lover’s dream. Aromas of fresh pastry, vanilla bean, chocolate ganache, cinnamon spice, and toasted malt combine to create a warm, inviting scent that draws you in for a sip. The moment it touches your tongue, you’re met with an indulgent wave of caramel—sweet, smooth, and almost candy-like—yet it finishes with a surprising dryness and a touch of roasted bitterness that keeps it from becoming overly sugary.

The mouthfeel is huge and luxurious, thick with chewy malt character that fills the palate and lingers. As you continue to drink, the beer reveals its more subtle notes. The initial sweetness gradually integrates into the broader flavor spectrum, allowing gentle hints of warming alcohol and roasty grain to rise and balance the richness.

This is an exceptionally crafted beer, one that rewards slow sipping and repeated tasting. It’s a perfect candidate for aging or enjoying side by side with the 2025 version, which we introduced earlier this year and is still available in our beer shop for a limited time—making for a fun and flavorful comparison across vintages.